Handling no pace and a lot of pace
Slicepong asked 5 years ago
Merry Christmas Dan and Tom. I was playing last night at a Xmas party and I struggled with two disparate things: what to do when you’re given very little pace and how to handle a long, fast serve. I would elicit a semi high short ball, but I wasn’t confident in how to attack it. I didn’t push, but I didn’t hit many topspin winners either. Do you simply coil, take a medium swing and go for precise placement? Also, what’s the best return for a long fast serve? My pushing was ineffective. Thanks
Tom Academy Coach answered 5 years ago
Merry Christmas Slicepong!
Wow that’s great, table tennis at a Christmas party sounds amazing. Ok so firstly with the balls with no pace, the best way is to try to firstly get into a good position and play a topspin shot, as you mentioned by coiling the arm and getting a decent backswing, and making sure to go for spin but with a good acceleration. Also as you said pick a target and stick to it, be decisive and go for a specific spot or area on the table.
For the long fast serves, it’s very difficult to push them back and have control doing that. Again the best way is to topspin, with these you need a shorter stroke and to try to guide the ball back to keep control by going for a good brushing contact and not hitting too flat which can cause mistakes. If your still struggling really focus on returning more towards the middle of the table and being careful not to rush the shots.
Hope that’s helpful and enjoy your Christmas!
Slicepong